'Visa Is A Privilege, Not A Right’: US Embassy In India Warns Students Of Deportation Risk

The US Embassy India warned that breaking US laws can lead to the cancellation of student visas, deportation and long-term ineligibility for future travel, emphasising that entry into the country is not

an entitlement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy said legal violations could have “serious consequences” for international students studying in the United States.

“Breaking US laws can have serious consequences for your student visa,” the embassy wrote, adding, “If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future US visas.”

The post urged visa holders to comply with local laws and regulations, adding, “Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A US visa is a privilege, not a right.”

The advisory comes amid increased scrutiny of immigration compliance in the United States and periodic warnings from US authorities to foreign nationals about maintaining lawful status while studying or working in the country.

Donald Trump Administration Tightens Visa Rules

The United States has moved toward stricter visa enforcement across multiple categories, including student, work and visitor visas, with a focus on compliance, security vetting and deterring overstays. Measures introduced or expanded during Donald Trump’s tenure broadened the scope for visa revocations over legal infractions, strengthened background and social-media screening.

The administration also pursued changes aimed at narrowing eligibility for certain visas, including proposals to limit the duration of student stays without additional review and to prioritise higher-paid applicants for skilled worker visas such as the H-1B.